An Open Letter to the CPSO

I sent this open letter to the CPSO. For more information about Bill C-7 (Euthanasia) and to learn what you can do visit: Canadians for Conscience | The Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience

Dear College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO),

I wanted to respectfully add my voice to your consultation regarding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), specifically the matter of forcing medical professionals to make arrangements or be complicit in euthanasia/medically assisted suicide should such participation be against said professionals conscience or religious conviction (My arguments are limited to this and do not extend into the realm of what I consider to be the immoral nature of the subject generally).

I make this recommendation on a fourfold argument:

• It would be illegally in direct contravention of the most fundamental of all Canadian beliefs and cherished freedoms, Charter 2.a and b: freedom of conscience and religion; and thought, belief, opinion and expression.
• It goes against a medical professional’s Hippocratic oath to preserve life, and the consensus of the international community against this practice.
• It would result in the loss to our Province of countless health professionals, whether for religious reasons (e.g. Christians) or grounds of conscience, who would rather sacrifice their career than to go against belief or conscience. Historically, such moves have led to expertise leaving a region rather than contributing to the betterment of that locality.
• It would erode the credibility of the College. If the College went down this route, a route that does not respect and value free expression, it would likewise shut the door on the free pursuit of [in this case] medical truth. The process of medical inquiry thus being stifled would mean the best medical options may not be under consideration and therefore any College decision would be held suspect. This choice is between a free College in a free society or an authoritarian one.

I, and many other Ontarians, have long looked with great esteem upon the College. I hope you will make the right decisions that upholds your integrity and continues to garner the trust of the citizens of our Province.

Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Chris W. Crocker (Markdale Baptist Church; Professor- Toronto Baptist Seminary)